Smith College is accepting applications for a Director of Religious & Spiritual Life. Reporting to the Associate Dean of the College/Dean of Students, the successful candidate will lead religious and spiritual affairs of the College and create space for a multifaith learning environment, while valuing justice and the dignity of all people. Provide leadership, with respect to campus climate and ethical reflection, while serving as the voice of religious and spiritual life in college ceremonies, convocations, memorials and celebrations that call for prayer and spiritual leadership. Oversee the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL) which includes programs and educational opportunities that encourage and support students’ well-being; moral, ethical and spiritual growth; religious learning through a wide range of activities on and off campus; connection with the academic programs engaged in learning about religion; and the stewardship of Helen Hills Hills Chapel as a place for community gathering.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead religious and spiritual affairs of the college, directing and managing the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL). Preside as the voice of religious and spiritual life in college ceremonies, convocations, memorials, and celebrations that call for prayer and spiritual leadership. Steward Helen Hills Hills Chapel as a place for community gathering. Provide leadership and offer ethical reflection on campus climate, local and world events, and coordinate with the larger community to provide access to college resources and events. Respond to student, parent and community concerns on behalf of the associate dean of the college. Coordinate the pastoral care services of the CRSL, meeting the needs of students seeking support.

Supervise CRSL staff and interfaith advisor(s), support the community religious advisors, manage budgets and advise the related student organizations and SGA social justice and equity (SJE) representatives. Work closely with student religious organizations and other student groups. Advise SGA social justice and equity representatives to build their capacity for student-led initiatives that support mutual respect and inclusivity among students through training, education, and program support. Work with campus stakeholders (e.g. student affairs; community engagement; inclusion, diversity and equity; religion faculty) to support the learning environment as it is related to the mission and vision of the CRSL. Oversee the portfolio of CRSL programs that encourage students’ well-being, moral and spiritual growth, and religious learning through a wide range of activities on and off-campus.

Develop and extend the college’s efforts to improve and enhance student engagement with and knowledge about religion and faith in wider society. Develop learning goals and a relevant educational, pastoral, and/or service project focusing on religious literacy. Develop relationships and engage the student body in various ways; to have a thoughtful approach to increasing religious literacy; and to develop capacities for inclusivity among students through interaction and engagement. Represent the Associate Dean of the College/Dean of Students on committees and projects as requested (e.g. Otelia Cromwell Day). Support other staff projects and other assignments, as determined by the dean.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education/Experience: Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience, significant prior experience working with young people, deep knowledge of at least one religious tradition, and a commitment to building mutual understanding and cooperation across differences of religion, race, and culture. Ordained in your faith tradition preferred.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work sensitively with undergraduates and colleagues from a wide array of backgrounds, traditions and cultures; ability to carry projects to completion independently and also in collaboration with others. High degree of sound professional judgment in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues; working knowledge of and demonstrated interest in or experience with more than one religious tradition; ability to create original programs tailored to a variety of audiences; ability to deal effectively with emotionally charged topics and facilitate dialogue and group discussion among people with diverse opinions and beliefs. Experience in higher education or another institutional setting is preferred. A sincere interest in, and understanding of, young women, including developmental, social, psychological and other relevant issues.